Chapter 34: Loss Cause
Just as Kevin, a half-ghost child, was able to grow rapidly from an infant to child; now that same blessing extended to Anna, a half-bat child. She woke covered in a thin silky white shell and this frightened the child to no end and she began to cry.
Charlotte, who slept in a bed next to the crib, woke to attend to the baby… or so she thought was a baby. She quickly broke open the layers of the shell and took the tot in her arms with a smile. "Good morning Anna." She greeted.
Anna studied the woman. Her scent was familiar but not like the scent she grown accustomed to. "Where's mama? I want mama." She said in a frightened tone.
Charlotte wiped away the child's tears. "Don't be afraid. Your birth mother is working. I am your guardian mother, Charlotte."
"I miss my real mama, Mama Charlotte." Anna said.
"I can't wait until everyone is awake." Charlotte smiled with great excitement. "I want to show how much you have grown."
As Anna stood, she studied herself and discovered something embarrassing. "I'm not wearing anything." She frowned.
Charlotte giggled. "It is time you and your brother to get suited with the finest of fashions. I will call the tailor and you can pick any color you want for your first big girl dress."
**The forest**
Mr. Smallhead was in the forest doing his usual routine of cleaning the mess of his employer, Mayor Maynot; and Ginger and Bertha were also there with him. The girls didn't quite know why they had to come all this way, but between them, something wasn't right.
In the back of the wagon was a very large heavy bag. The bag was tightly sealed and it carried the odor of must and blood. But the bag was not without flaws, for there was a hole in the bag.
Mr. Smallhead stood outside digging a deep hole. "Oh, man…" He said then wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief "I'm glad that's done." He then looked to Bertha and Ginger. "OK girls, time to help me with the load."
Mr. Smallhead grabbed and carried the top heavier part of the bag as Bertha and Ginger carried the smaller end. The end that the girls were carrying felt like legs…legs from a being.
"Hey, what's in the bag?" Ginger asked.
"Don't ask questions." Mr. Smallhead spat as he grunted carrying the bag. "Don't you know curiosity killed the cat?"
Ginger rolled her eyes. "I'm already dead genius." She replied in a sarcastic tone.
Just then, Bertha tripped over a stone that peaked a little over the ground. She didn't completely fall to the ground; she caught herself and then continued, but before she did, her eyes noticed a hand poking from the hole of the bag and released a scream. Out of surprise, shock, and fright Bertha flung away from the bag and it fell to the ground.
Ginger rushed over and covered Bertha's mouth. She looked to Mr. Smallhead with a very angry look. "Whaddya tryin' to do, spook the kid? You could've at least told us about the stiff."
"Whu…What happened to her?" Bertha cried.
Mr. Smallhead threw the bag in the hole, poured kerosene on the bag, and lit it on fire; afterwards looked to both of them. "That girl did something stupid like laugh at the mayor because of his… problem."
"She must've been a new one." Ginger whispered as she tried to comfort Bertha.
"She wasn't new to anything, she's a street girl." Mr. Smallhead informed as he gave an uncaring wave to his hand. "I've been playing the field with her for years, then the mayor saw her and wanted a try… then this happened."
"And we're next, aren't we?" Ginger spat.
Mr. Smallhead filed the hole with a mixture of dirt, cement, and water; then gave a casual wave. "If he really wanted this for you, he would've ordered it a long time ago." He said. "Just keep you mouth clean, smile, and no matter the circumstances… Do. Not. Laugh. And you'll be fine."
Bertha made a mental note that she would make sure that all the girls at Uncle Sid's brothel knew the 'Don't laugh' rule.
Mr. Smallhead then topped the dirt patch with shards of cut grass and dusted off his hands. "Ok girls, it finished. Let's go."
Ginger was used to this kind of mobster doing, but she was also used to someone telling her what was happening. She looked to Bertha, who seemed sad and a bit frightened in the face. "Don't worry kid, you'll forget about all this in no time."
**Miss Warden's Castle**
Beetlejuice, still cursed in a female form, was strapped against the table enduring yet another session of royal fingers. "Hey Princey Pie, if you're diggin' for gold, you're not gonna find it."
"Silence Beetle." Said the Prince and then wiggled his fingers in certain way that he knew Beetle would tingle.
Beetle bit his bottom lips so he wouldn't make a noise but the expression formed on his face. "Oh shit…" he cringed in thought "Please don't let go, please don't let go." But he did let go and sounds of ecstasy escaped his lips. "Dammit!" He spat to himself.
"Oh… so you enjoyed that." The Prince cooed.
"Yeah, Yeah." Beetle snarled. "So now that you got what you wanted, are you gonna stop finger fucking me now?"
"Oh now Beetle, I have a special treat for you." The Prince smiled and then revealed a portable pressure machine with a long plastic addition attached to it. "Do you like it?"
Beetle raised a brow at the machine and then looked to Prince Vince. "You're a sick fucker, man. Are you really gonna drill me with mechanical cock?"
"What an excellent title for the device." The Prince said with a sly smile. "Yes, I will use this device on you, but not in the way that you assume."
"So it's not for my virginity." Beetle said as he raised a brow.
The Prince chuckled. "Of course not. I happen to believe virginity is sacred and should not be pierced with such devices." He replied and then walked over to Beetle with the machine in hand. "I plan to use the machine right…" he pointed a finger and pressed the opening of Beetle's other private spot. " here."
Beetle's eye widened "You are a sick fuck." He spat.
"I'm glad you approve Beetle." The Prince said and then headed toward the door. "I shall tend to you after tea." He said then left.
Beetle was at his end. He didn't know what to think of this. The Prince now wants to explore his ass? Now that was too much. But then again… so was everything else.
"Psss…" Lydia whispered from outside the ledge of the castle window, gaining Beetle's attention.
"Lyds! Christ girl, where have you been?" Beetle asked as she slid down the curtains.
"Shhh…" She whispered as she placed a finger over her lips and then quickly unbuckled him from the table and then mouthed the words "Let's go." from her lips.
"Babes, you're speaking my language." Beetle said and they left the room.
Beetle and Lydia tip toed down the corridor of the castle. Beetle noticed a door that was slightly opened and peaked inside. Prince Vince sat in a chair drinking tea as a teddy bear guard played the piano. Beetle raised a brow. He didn't know the teddy bears could do that. "Damn fur ball has talent." He thought and then nodded. "Not bad."
"Beetle, come on." Lydia whispered as she waved a hand from him to come.
Beetle and Lydia came upon a heavily guarded doorway. Beetle turned to Lydia and said. "You didn't think we could just sneak out the front door, did you?"
"No, but we can use that window." Lydia said as she pointed to a potential exit.
Beetle knew this castle and he loathly knew it well. "That's quite a fall Lyds. And you remember I can't use my powers, right?"
"There's a water moat surrounding the castle, we can just fall in there." Lydia informed.
The moat, of course, Beetle was always too busy trying to break from the guards to notice it. "Let's do it." He agreed.
Just then, the alarm sounded. "The prisoner escaped!" The guard who made his rounds, shouted. But before the windows were magically sealed, Beetle and Lydia were already in the moat swimming away.
Once Beetle and Lydia reached land, they looked back to watch the chaos unfold in the distance. Dark clouds of rain and loud thunder over reined the land, especially right over the castle of Miss Warden. The thunder sounded so close at such a far distance, it was like the thunder god himself paid a visit to Earth.
"Wow," Beetle said in awe "I must've been his favorite toy."
"Favorite toy?" Lydia retorted. "Who made you his favorite toy?"
Beetle waved a casual hand. He didn't really want to remember let alone talk about what happened at the castle. "Oh, nothing."
Lydia huffed. "You never want to share with me."
This wasn't going to help him become any closer to Lydia, rather it be for their friendship or to break his curse. "Look Lyds, I –"
"Never mind." Lydia spat as she walked away.
"What happened to me was embarrassing ok!" Beetle blurted out. "I was finger fucked and then plans were made for a mechanical cock to go up my ass! That's why I was strapped against that table."
Lydia turned and looked at him. "When I came to rescue you, I noticed your pant -" She chose not to use the word 'panties' because she knew Beetle was sensitive about being a female. "underwear wasn't on but I didn't imagine that."
"Unfortunately I didn't have to imagine, it was happing." Beetle grumped and then sighed. "And about the whole 'Me not helping to save Prudence' thing, I just didn't want snake to take my only chance to turn into a man."
"Before your conception you were born a man;" Lydia began as she held his hand with a gentle look "and even though you're a female now, no matter what happens… you will become a man again."
"Those are comforting words Lyds." Beetle simply said with a small smile.
Lydia looked around and noticed that the dark cloud was spreading. "We better get going. I want to be someplace safe before it gets too dark."
"Good idea." Beetle agreed and then they were off.
Lydia took Beetle to the Docks and inside the home of Bush. The plant-like bushy man raised a brow when he saw Lydia again. "Ah, well if it isn't leather lady Lydia… How can I help?"
"I'm sorry to barge in like this, but we need to stay just until the rain simmers." Lydia replied.
Bush saw the darkness from the window and knew that those were no ordinary storm clouds. "It won't simmer for awhile Miss Lydia; It looks like someone made the Prince very unhappy."
"Damn Straight." Beetle cursed under his breath.
"I don't have any coins to give but-" Lydia began but was cut off.
"I didn't ask for any." Bush interrupted "I'm just a nice fella." He said and then sat on a chair. "You know where the guestroom is, just make yourself comfortable."
Lydia escorted Beetle inside the guest room and closed the door. She looked nervously to the bed and then looked at Beetle. "So um… I guess we'll have to share the bed huh."
"Don't worry," Beetle sighed heavily "I won't touch you or anything. I know you only see me as a friend."
But that wasn't true, Lydia did begin to like him more… for some reason; she just didn't the risk of getting hurt. She knew Beetle had his flaws, just like all who roamed the Earth, but even with hurt aside, his attitude toward women turned her away.
They climbed into bed. Beetle looked to Lydia. "You're gonna get hot in that leather outfit, don't you wanna take it off?"
"I can manage." Lydia simply replied.
"Well leather aside, I don't think I'll be able to sleep with a metal breast plate." Beetle said.
Lydia sighed. "I know you're just trying to see me naked or something."
Beetle shook his head. "That's not true."
"Good. Well… Goodnight." Lydia spat.
"Why don't you trust me?" Beetle questioned and the looked at her. "Lyds, we've been best friends for three years and during that time not only have I saved you from death, but I listened to you… and that's something I never did with any other woman."
Lydia thought of this and she looked at him. "You're a pervert, a selfish pervert."
"I'm a pervert, just like any man;" Beetle admitted "but unlike some men, I never ever abused or raped a woman. I may talk shit and say that I have no rules, but I do, and that is one of them."
It was rare; a very rare thing to see this sincere and tender side of Beetle, and Lydia knew he wasn't being deceptive with his words. "I…" She tried to speak but nothing could be said except for a deep desire that was deep within her heart. "I want you to share with me."
Alright, this was it, Beetle was going to pull out all the stops; it was all or nothing. What did he have to lose? He was a girl and it didn't seem like he was going to change back anytime too soon, if at all. He sighed heavily and looked at her. "I'm an open book, what do you wanna know?"
**The Circus**
Scuzzo was glad that the circus didn't rain out. He sat at the booth as he signed autographs for the last group of children. Charlotte and Anna were especially amazed by what they saw.
"Oh Mr. Scuzzo, you were fantastic. How do you manage to peddle a unicycle from such a high distance? Charlotte asked.
"And juggle faire balls?" Anna finished, eyes wide and shimmering with wonder.
Scuzzo chuckled. "It's called centuries of practice that equal perfection." He replied and then signed the last poster. "Well kids, I'm sorry but this clown needs to rest."
Anna looked to Charlotte. "Can Mr. Scuzzo eat dinner with us… please?"
Charlotte chuckled. "I don't see a problem with that."
"Normally I wouldn't either," The clown said "but I have circus stuff to do before I go to bed. But come back tomorrow, I'm sure the weather will let up then."
Charlotte and Anna left and joined Donny, Princess Alexandria, and Kevin. "I made reservations at Centro Riojano, a place that cooks the food of Spain."
"Yes." Kevin smiled in delight. "I like spicy."
"Not too spicy I hope." Princess Alexandria added, seeming worried.
Donny shook his head and gave a casual wave. "I checked the menu and they have non-spicy food." He assured and then left to get the carriage.
Anna turned to Kevin, a person who was introduced as her older brother. She was told by him that he sometimes works for the clown she grew so fond of. "Kevin, may I go with you to the circus tomorrow?"
"Sure." Kevin smiled. "It might be fun to have a partner in crime to harass that clown." He thought.
Anna was happy; it was her first day to explore a new world and already she was treated to a custom made violet dress, the circus, and made new friends. This was the best day. Now all that was left was to get to know her birth mother.
**Uncle Sid's Brothel**
Uncle Sid tended the bar as a familiar face entered the brothel. No other would give him a chance but her. She was the only one who loved the innocence of his corny jokes. She was the only one who cared when he got hurt. And she loved him so much that she died and became a ghost right besides him.
"Irma," Uncle Sid floated to her and took her hand lovingly into his. "I'm glad you finally arrived."
There were no secrets between them; Irma, his wife, knew everything about the brothel. "You are giving the girls good treatment, right?" She asked but didn't really need to ask because she knew how much of a caring person he was.
"They are my Princesses." Uncle Sid replied.
"If they are Princesses then what am I?" Irma smirked.
He stared into her eyes and stroked her hair. "You're my Goddess."
"Well as soon as you're done with work," Irma smiled as she pulled him closer to her "I expect you to cater to your goddess."
Uncle Sid planted a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. "Your wish is my command, my Goddess."
From the bar counter, Bertha was introduced to Uncle Sid's wife. At first Bertha thought the woman would replace her as 'Madam', but no such luck; Irma is to be the accountant and occasional bar maid.
After the shift, Bertha went to Miss Shannon's home to not only report for work but to know if she earned her diploma. During pregnancy, throughout raising two children, and ducking and dodging Bartholomew Batt; she worked hard to earn her diploma.
Miss Shannon had a signed and sealed diploma ready for Bertha but there was one problem…
"You can't use it in Clock Town." Miss Shannon informed. "I have a very prestigious school, Miss Bertha; and if the people of Clock Town knew that I have taught and awarded a diploma to a debt ridden house maid, then my reputation and my school will be in question."
"As I promised Miss Shannon, I won't tell anyone about this." Bertha assured then placed away the diploma as Miss Shannon gave it to her.
"I strongly suggest that you seek a university and a new life in another town." Miss Shannon said and then removed a suitcase from her closet. "Needless to say I don't have choirs, but I would like you to escort me to the train station."
After Miss Shannon boarded the train, Bertha went to Lydia's house. She was caught off guard and was shocked by what she saw. Anna had grown so rapidly. Where did the time go? The same growth happened to Kevin many moons ago, but to Bertha, it seemed like yesterday. Bertha's knees involuntarily buckled and she met Anna at eye level.
Anna gave her birth mother a big hug and kiss. "Mama," She smiled as the familiar scent roamed being and visions of her mother holding her as an infant came into mind "I'm happy to finally see you."
Charlotte stood silent in the hallway looking at their tender union. She was glad to see Anna as an infant and blessed to see her evolve in such a great child, but most of all she was glad to see this. She became tearful and wished that she was that close to her mother, but alas, she wasn't.
"Mama, won't you join Kevin and I at the circus tomorrow?" Anna urged.
The circus is the very place where that nasty clown was located. Bertha didn't know who was worse, Scuzzo the clown or Bartholomew Batt. Scuzzo was a little rough around the edges with his foul mouth and the strong smell of cigars and liquor on his breath. Bartholomew, under that perfect gentleman persona, was a sadist monster that enjoyed punishing her with many of his twisted devices. Both were short men in stature; one of course shorter than the other, but both were masters in the art of French kissing. There was just something about being in bed with a dangerous man that completely frightened Bertha, yet turned her on at the same time.
"It far too early to make a decision." Bertha safely said in not wanting to disappoint her daughter.
Anna grew concerned; Bertha with her thin frame looked under nourished. "Mama, I want you to eat."
"I agree." Charlotte said. "You look a bit under the weather."
Bertha looked into a long mirror. She saw dark circles under her eyes, but not the thin frame everyone surrounding her was so concerned about. "Maybe I'll make some oatmeal." She said and was about to enter the kitchen until Charlotte stopped her.
"You get washed up, I'll make the oatmeal." Charlotte insisted and then pointed a finger to the upstairs.
"My room is in the basement." Bertha said.
Charlotte shook her head. "No it isn't." she replied and once again pointed upstairs. "Your room is upstairs, as it should be."
"Mama," Anna called, gaining Bertha's attention "go upstairs so I can help Mama Charlotte with the oatmeal."
Bertha gave a small chuckle. "Alright Anna, I will." She said and then went upstairs. She didn't feel special enough to be upstairs with the rest, but it would be a nice change of pace.
**Uncle Victor's House**
Uncle Victor sat at the desk of his study writing a letter to Princess Alexandria's father, the king of Sweden. He was truthful about the positive outcome of the princess meeting his son and their official courtship, but he lied about the wedding date and told the king that his daughter wanted the wedding after the first month of spring.
"Are you finished with that letter my dear?" Aunt Lucy asked from outside the study door as she wore her coat and gloves. "I can put in the post office on my way to the market."
Uncle Victor looked to her. There was no way he would entrust the letter to that bumbling forgetful wife of his. "No, I'll do it myself." He insisted and then she left.
Donny and Princess Alexandria sat in the parlor holding hands as they looked at the snow fall. The princess knew she liked Donny but she could never quite say that she was in love with him. Donny on the other hand had his own questions. Who was Bertha and why did the people in Lydia's house claim that he purposed marriage to her?
Before the circus, Donny was introduced to Bertha's children and had the pleasure to spend time with them; but why would he purpose marriage to an unwed mother? It wasn't like she was honorably married once before and then experienced a loss of a husband. No, this Bertha was a scorned woman. She just had to be. And as such, Donny should frown upon her. But why did he feel so badly when he thought of her this way?
These past few days were odd. Donny now held an untouched delicate princess in his arms when he is thinking about a woman, a supposed fiancé he had never even met. He looked to Princess Alexandria with her beautiful blue eyes, long golden hair, and radiant flawless skin; and nothing really sparked. The princess was beautiful, no one could deny that; and once you got to know her, one would find her to be quite intelligent. She was graceful and lady-like as a proper young lady in waiting should be. So why didn't any thing spark?
"Donny, what's the matter? You seem troubled." The Princess questioned as she took notice of his hard stare into the unknown.
At first Donny didn't answer, his thoughts were still on Bertha; but when the princess touched his shoulder, his attention focused on her. "Oh, I'm sorry my Princess, my mind was in another place."
"So I have seen." She replied. "Would you like to talk to me about it?"
Donny didn't want to follow the path of his uncle and keep secrets from his wife to be. He wanted her to know all his thoughts and feelings; and he wanted to know about hers. Since his Aunt and Uncle were now out of the house, Donny felt to free to express himself. He sat beside her on the couch and held her hand. "I would like to start from the beginning." He said then revealed everything.
Princess Alexandria wanted this; she prayed for a man that would be open and share with her. In fact, all of her prayers about her future love were granted, and they were all in Donny's character, except for the love factor. She wanted to be in love with him. Perhaps it was nervousness that clouded the feeling of love from her heart.
When Donny was finished from all he revealed, Princess Alexandria looked at him lovingly and gave a hug. She wasn't bothered by what he spoke of Bertha; in fact, she wanted to meet this supposed mystery bride.
"What should I do about Bertha's children?" Donny questioned. "Kevin thinks that I am his Godfather."
"And you should be." The Princess replied. "Children are our most innocent beings; by spending time with them, the memories you seek will come to you." Those wise words said in a gentle serene voice of the princess brought joy to Donny and he nodded with a smile.
**Clock Town Pharmacy **
Although Dr. Prankenstein was no longer allowed to practice medicine in Mr. Brewster's owned, Clock Town Hospital; he enjoyed his work as a pharmacist.
The Pharmacy needed ginger, roots, and other important things to keep it in operation. Dr. Prankenstein even closed the back room clinic for lack of supplies. "When is that polio vaccine going to ship?" He spat in frustration as he read the expected delivery notice. But little did he know the shipment did come to town, but the rioters from the mines stole it from the ship.
Mayor Maynot walked into the pharmacy hoping to retrieve his usual prescription. "Is it ready yet?" He just asked straight off with no proper greeting or tact of any kind.
"No, it's not." Dr. Prankenstein replied. "In fact the whole damn shipment didn't arrive."
The Mayor cleared his throat. "Well um… I might have to take my business elsewhere."
"You go do that." Dr. Prankenstein said in knowing that if the mayor went to Brewster hospital; every nurse, doctor, and even patient would know about his special problem.
The Mayor stumped off and Barry entered the room from the stock room and took notice of the mayor's angry look. "What the matter with that guy?"
Dr. Prankenstein turned to his newest assistant whose body was in a jack-in-a-box as he waved off thoughts of the mayor. "That was our beloved mayor." He replied with a sardonic tone. He adjusted his glasses and read the stock room report. "We don't have anything?" he said in disappointed awe.
Barry shook his head and then pointed a thumb toward the stock room. "If you needed to make a cream for poison oak, it couldn't be done." He informed. "All you have left is boxes of bandages, surgical thread, and just a few bottles of aspirin. Everything else is candles, and something that looks and smells suspiciously like moonshine."
Dr. Prankenstein usually wouldn't do this but he resulted to making that illegal but necessary consumption. "That is moonshine." he confirmed with such worry and a shard of regret "I made to –"
"It's a relaxant." Barry interrupted. "Don't worry, I won't say anything," he winked "I know the laws here."
**The Docks**
After the rain of Prince Vince had settled, Lydia and Beetlejuice walked on the path that would lead them back to Clock Town. On the way, Beetle's eye caught glimpse of Bertha from the other side of the street as she headed to Captain Kidder's. As promised, Beetle didn't say anything and just continued walking with Lydia.
Bertha paid a visit to Miss Argentina; the most beautiful, well talented and most expensive woman in the brothel. Bertha, who ducked and dodged, hoping not to catch the attention of Miss Monster, snuck into Miss Argentina's room as she applied make-up.
"Well if it isn't our servant, Number Thirteen." Miss Argentina greeted in such a snobbish way. "What do you want?"
Miss Argentina's popularity would bring a lot of money to Uncle Sid's brothel, but only if the price is right. "How would like to make sixty-five coins someplace else, instead of fifty coins here?" Bertha spoke.
"Sixty-five coins?" Miss Argentina retorted. "We are in the middle of war and rations girl, nobody can afford fifty, let alone sixty-five. How else do you think I was so flexible to lower my rate?"
Bertha almost forgot about that, Captain Kidder and Miss Monster lowered the rate on the girls; but that didn't matter, the place she represents in a place that is made attract high profile clientele. "The men you would be entertaining are no ordinary men; you would be staying and working in Clock Town, where money is no object when it to servicing their pleasures."
Miss Argentina heard rumors of this so called brothel in Clock Town, but she did take it seriously; she just knew no place like would be allowed. "Get serious," she spat "even if wanted to open a brothel there, where would they open it? I mean, a person just can't open one in the residential or the business district."
"But it is in the business district." Bertha confirmed. "The brothel is in the far rear of the alley, and it opens before the other businesses close."
"Why me?" Miss Argentina questioned with such suspicion.
"Your beauty and talent is worth far more than thirty or fifty coins." Bertha replied. "Not only can you make sixty-five coins a night, but you can make tips and other bonuses."
Miss Argentina thought of this. She always wanted to move from the seedy life of the Docks to live the luxury life of Clock Town. She turned to look at Bertha, and not until now did she notice Bertha's clean appearance and her nice fashion. "So I'm guessing you're more than a cleaning girl." She said.
Bertha never forgot her humble beginnings or her humble end at Captain Kidder's; but one thing was for sure. "You know I did more than clean." Bertha said. "I was last to be picked, if at all, but I still entertained the same way you did." And no one could deny that.
Miss Argentina nodded. "Perhaps this brothel you speak of at least deserves a look. I will pay a visit and then tell you my answer."
"That's fair." Bertha accepted and left the room.
Miss Argentina really didn't want to work in a brothel, but what choice did she have? If it wasn't for the money she made entertaining men, she would've been penniless. She felt blessed and began to practice her act for the next show.
Bertha went home and found Kevin and Anna asleep on some large pillows on the floor of the living room. Bertha couldn't help but smile, she thought seeing them like that was so adorable. She then walked into the kitchen and spotted Deader sat at the table drinking rum.
"Bartholomew Batt asked about you." He informed.
"Oh, Christ." Bertha thought as she knew the bat and his sadist craving to bite her neck. She would often wonder why Barth did that with her, but got nothing.
Lydia peeked into the kitchen and nearly leaped when she saw Bertha. Lydia gave Bertha a big hug. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick."
"I was working." Bertha replied with an odd look.
"Well you act if though you work twenty-four hours a day." Lydia replied and then took Bertha by the hand and headed toward the door. "Come on, Deader…" she said "celebrate with us."
Since the children were peacefully asleep in the living room, Lydia and Charlotte prepared their New Years party in the parlor. Charlotte played the piano as Beetlejuice stood near the fire place with a glass of rum; Deader took seat with his glass of rum; and Lydia took Bertha to the snack table.
Beetle glanced at one of his four watches. "Count down in two minutes." He announced.
Deader never understood why people celebrated New Years. Yes, it was the start on a new year; but to him, it just the start of another day and nothing more. He never questioned it or ruined the positive nature of someone else; he just drank whatever he got his hands on until he fell asleep.
"One minute." Beetle announced.
Lydia and Bertha wanted so much for Prudence to join them, they missed her dearly. Lydia normally wouldn't ask; but before Kevin settled to sleep, she asked him to use his powers to check on Prudence. Kevin told her that they would see Prudence again sometime after the New Year.
"Sixty seconds" Beetle announced.
Charlotte was anxious to know if Bertha would still choose Donny, a mild mannered ghostly solider for the royal army; or her favorite cousin and Grand Duke, Bartholomew Batt.
"Thirty seconds" Beetle announced.
Bertha wondered what the next year will bring. Will a way be made to pay off her father's debt? Could she earn just enough for her name to return in good standing? Or will she consider Miss Shannon's suggestion and move to another town to begin anew.
"Here we go!" Beetle announced and everyone gathered by the piano and shouted the countdown.
"Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two…one… Happy New Year!"
Lydia and Beetle shared a little peak kiss; and Charlotte and Bertha gave Deader a kiss on the cheek; and then Charlotte played the New Years song on the piano as everyone sang.